Carlin confirms GP3 Estoril test driver line up
Confirmed 2012 Carlin GP3 driver Brundle will join the team in Portugal ahead of his first year racing in the highly competitive series. Brundle has spent a great deal of time at Carlin’s factory in Farnham where he has been getting to know his team and spending time on the simulator. The Brit competed in Formula two for the 2011 season and makes the step up to the GP3 Series after a season which saw him finish in a solid seventh position.
Joining him throughout the course of this week’s test will be da Costa and Buller. Buller tested for Carlin last year and quickly found his feet in the GP3 car – setting some consistent laps during his time with the team. The Northern Irishman spent the 2011 season competing in the British Formula Three Championship where he finished the season fourth overall and topped off his year with a sixth position at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix.
Da Costa has also spent time with Carlin having raced with the GP3 team for four races in 2010, finishing sixth on his debut. The Portuguese driver spent the 2011 season as a regular front runner, finishing off the season on the top step of the podium with a great win at the challenging circuit, Monza.
Looking ahead to testing this week, Alex Brundle said, “I’m really looking forward to getting in the car this week. I’ve spent a lot of time at the factory in preparation for this on the simulator so I can’t wait for the test to start. This is the first time I’ve been in the GP3 car so I’m going to use the test to learn as much as I can.
“I’ve got to know the team well and I feel as though I have a great chance this year with Carlin and I’m looking forward to the season’s start in Barcelona."